Chapter 321: Ch 321: To War - Part 3
Kyle and his group continued their march after the skirmish, but the atmosphere among his people had changed.
Tension hung thick in the air—each footstep heavier, each glance sharper. They were alert, their hands never far from their weapons.
Even the most talkative among them had fallen silent, the echo of divine interference lingering in their minds.
Kyle walked at the front, gaze sweeping the surroundings with practiced ease. He could feel the change in his soldiers. It wasn't fear—it was caution teetering on the edge of exhaustion.
He slowed his pace and eventually stopped. Turning around, he addressed them calmly.
"We can't afford to stay this tense. It'll wear us out before we even reach the battlefield."
He said, his voice clear and steady.
Heads lifted toward him, waiting.
"We'll take turns on watch. Shift duty. Everyone rests in rotation. No one stays alert for more than their share. We need our strength. Exhaustion will kill us faster than the enemy."
Kyle continued.
There was a brief silence before nods spread through the group. Murmurs of agreement followed, and the soldiers began coordinating shifts without delay.
The tension began to ease—not entirely, but enough to let them breathe.
By dusk, the group arrived at the edge of Baron Nora's territory.
The baron's estate rose like a modest fortress amidst the surrounding farmlands, and her people were already assembled at the gates.
Lanterns flickered in warm greeting, and guards bowed respectfully.
Baron Nora herself stepped forward—a woman in her late thirties, with short dark hair and a graceful presence despite her modest armor.
She was accompanied by a handful of well-dressed retainers and a butler holding a tray of wine.
"You must be Lord Kyle Armstrong. Word of your march reached me a day ago. I've made arrangements for your men—food, shelter, and safety for the night. Please accept my hospitality."
She greeted with a bow.
Kyle studied her for a moment, then inclined his head.
"We're grateful, Baron Nora."
Baron Nora smiled, but her voice betrayed a trace of nervousness.
"I'm not a brave woman, Lord Kyle. I lack the courage to fight with sword or spell. But I know when good men are risking their lives. So, this is what I can do—to ease your burden, even if just for a night."
Melissa, Bruce, and several others behind Kyle exchanged wary glances. It was too convenient. Too generous.
Bruce stepped forward, eyes locked on Nora.
"And what do you want in return?"
The baron blinked, caught off guard.
"Nothing, Sir Knight. I simply want to do my part. My land will be safe only if you win. That's all the reason I need."
Kyle raised a hand to stop any further interrogation.
"We'll accept your kindness, Baron. Your help is appreciated."
Bruce gave Kyle a questioning look but didn't argue. The soldiers began filing inside the estate grounds, drawn by the scent of hot food and the warmth of firelight.
Servants moved with practiced coordination, guiding them to tents and halls that had been prepared in advance.
Melissa leaned closer to Kyle and whispered.
"You trust her?"
"I trust that people want to survive. She has no reason to betray us. Not yet."
Kyle murmured back.
"She might if she's threatened."
"Then we'll handle it when it happens."
With a warm and seemingly genuine smile, Baron Nora personally welcomed Kyle and his group to her village.
Nora walked at the front, robes flowing, her voice steady as she explained the history of her village, the layout of the land, and the arrangements she had made for Kyle's army.
"I've prepared the guest hall for your officers, but for you, Lord Kyle, I hope you will accept our finest room in the estate."
She said with a nod toward the stone building to the left,
Kyle didn't comment on the distinction but nodded politely.
"You've gone out of your way. I appreciate it."
"Please. It is only natural to offer shelter to the man standing between us and the wrath of the divine."
Nora smiled, her voice laced with an odd mix of admiration and caution.
She personally led Kyle through the estate's quiet halls to a spacious chamber. The room was simple but elegant—thick rugs, polished furniture, and a large bed with fresh linens.
"I hope this is to your liking,"
She said as she gestured for a maid to place down a tray of wine and fruit.
"It's more than enough."
Kyle replied, scanning the room discreetly with a sliver of mana. He felt no trace of divine corruption.
"Then I'll take my leave. Rest well, Lord Kyle."
Baron Nora said softly.
As soon as the door closed, Kyle stood by the window and waited.
A few minutes later, Melissa and Bruce entered the room.
"She's laying it on thick."
Bruce muttered.
"Too thick,"
Melissa added, arms crossed, eyes still wary.
Kyle turned toward them.
"Her aura didn't waver. No deceit, no malice. And more importantly—this place is clean. There's no trace of divine interference in the village."
That made Melissa and Bruce both ease slightly.
"So, you think we're safe here?"
Melissa asked.
"We're not in danger. But that doesn't mean we're not being used. No one helps soldiers in wartime without expecting something in return. Baron Nora has a motive—we just don't know what it is yet."
Kyle's gaze sharpened.
Bruce nodded, jaw tight.
"So we stay on guard."
"Exactly."
Kyle motioned for the two of them to sit.
"Don't let your guards down tonight. Especially not around her people. If she's playing a longer game, it'll come out eventually."
Melissa sat down slowly.
"And if she's not?"
"Then we owe her a debt. But I doubt this is just generosity."
Kyle said, voice calm.
Bruce leaned back, arms folded.
"So what do you want us to do?"
"Watch. Listen. See who speaks to whom. If someone tries to get close to our soldiers or digs for information—find out why."
Melissa nodded.
"We'll keep the shifts tight."
Kyle's eyes narrowed as he looked out the window at the quiet village beyond.
"Something is going to happen soon. I can feel it. Be ready."
With his orders given, Kyle dismissed the two of them. Bruce left without a word, and Melissa lingered only a second before slipping into the hallway.
Once alone, Kyle walked back to the bed, sitting at the edge as his thoughts churned.
The timing was too convenient. A lord's army marching through a territory—and the local baron just happened to know, just happened to have food prepared, and just happened to offer help?
There was no sign of betrayal, but there was too much precision for this to be mere coincidence.
Kyle sighed and lay back against the bed. His instincts were screaming. Baron Nora hadn't made her move yet—but when she did, he would be ready.
Outside his window, the wind carried whispers—half-heard conversations and the hum of distant preparations.
It would be a long night.
Kyle didn't sleep that night. He sat by the window, watching shadows shift under the moonlight.
Somewhere in this quiet village, intentions were brewing—some hidden, some waiting to surface.
He knew better than to trust the calm. In war, silence was just the pause before something—or someone—struck.